Terracotta Army
District

Terracotta Army

China's buried army of thousands guarding an emperor's tomb

Here's the thing about the Terracotta Army – no photo prepares you for the scale. You walk into Pit 1 and suddenly you're face-to-face with 6,000 life-sized clay soldiers, each with unique facial features, standing in battle formation exactly as they were positioned over 2,000 years ago. Emperor Qin Shi Huang didn't mess around when it came to his afterlife security detail. This isn't just another tourist attraction. It's one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, and it sits about 40 kilometers east of Xi'an in Shaanxi Province. The museum complex houses three main pits plus the original discovery site, and trust me – you'll need at least half a day to do it justice.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Terracotta Army. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

A local farmer digging a well in 1974 accidentally uncovered what would become one of China's most famous attractions. Yang Zhifa was just trying to find water during a drought. Instead, he found fragments of terracotta that led to the discovery of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's massive underground army. The emperor, who unified China in 221 BCE, spent 38 years and employed over 700,000 workers to build his mausoleum complex. But here's what blows my mind – archaeologists estimate they've only excavated about 1% of the entire site. The main tomb itself remains unopened, partly due to concerns about mercury poisoning (ancient texts claim the tomb contains rivers of mercury). Each warrior was crafted individually by skilled artisans, with eight basic face molds that were then modified to create unique expressions. Originally, they were painted in bright colors, but exposure to air caused the pigments to flake off within hours of excavation.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy tickets online to save 10 yuan and skip the ticket booth lines
  • 2.Pack your own water and snacks – museum prices are inflated
  • 3.Take public bus 5 instead of taxis to save 100+ yuan on transportation
  • 4.Visit during off-season (December-March) for cheaper admission and hotels
  • 5.Audio guides cost extra but are worth it – alternatively, download free apps with similar content
  • 6.Eat at local restaurants outside the tourist zone rather than the museum cafeteria
  • 7.Book Xi'an accommodation in the city center, not near the site – better prices and restaurant options

Travel Tips

  • •Arrive at 8:30 AM opening time to avoid the worst crowds
  • •Wear layers – the pits can be cool and damp even in summer
  • •Bring a portable phone charger – you'll be taking lots of photos
  • •Learn basic Chinese phrases or download a translation app – English signage is limited
  • •Allow 4-5 hours minimum for the full experience including nearby attractions
  • •Check weather forecasts – the outdoor areas between pits have no cover
  • •Download offline maps – cell service can be spotty in some areas of the complex
  • •Respect photography rules – guards will confiscate phones if you use flash

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan for 3-4 hours minimum to see all three pits and the museum exhibits properly. If you're including the nearby Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, allow a full day.

Explore Terracotta Army

Things to Do in Terracotta ArmyWhen to Visit Terracotta Army3 Days in Terracotta Army7 Days in Terracotta Army

Ready to explore Terracotta Army?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.